"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
Chance sighs and closes her book before looking over at Jervis seated beside her on the couch within the rec room at Arkham. He is smiling calmly and Chance purses her lips before answering.
"Hatter? You know, you creep me out sometimes. I'm not being disrespectful, just honest. I know that no matter what I do, you won't leave me alone until I'm either Alice, a puppet, or worse. And honestly, I'm not sure which options best. But what sends chills down my spine...I have absolutly no idea how...well, you know, with it, you actually are. You give off these calm vibes yet... I guess thats why everyone underestimates you... Half the time I'm not sure if your the most suited for this place out of everybody, and other times I wonder what really goes on in that head of yours. Whats so special about me? Shouldn't you have carded me by now or something?
"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
Chance sets her book on her lap before answering. "Easy. Both drove man to madness. Although that may be just me, seeing as I favor Poe to Carrol."
Hatter and Chance sit in silence for a moment before he speaks up. "I do believe I may be quite mad, but aren't we all? Who decides what is the differance between mad and sane? Since none have the capacity to truely judge, are they not one in the same? Madness is not necessarily a hindrance, but could be utilized to ones advantage. No one has the ability to truely judge anothers mind, because of this, most make assumtions based on what is seen before them. You, my dear Alice, are open, and accepting both of Wonderland and what lies on the other side of the looking glass. You don't allow the grandness and beauty of Wonderland to overwelm and consume you. It is a quality that only those who truely belong within, can possess. Most never see Wonderland, but they are not worthy. Alice, you've had so many imposters, none were fit to catch a glimpse."
"I've told you dozens of times that I'm not Alice."
Jervis smiles warmly. "I am very aware that you have simply forgotten your home. However, I do hope you recall your memories next time you come to stay, because once I have you, I will not let you leave. I'd rather an empty shell than nothing at all."
He stands and Chance watches him anxiously, wary of his warning. Jervis stands in front of her and reaches out to gently tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. His hand lingers and Chance responds.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Is it safe to assume that next time our paths cross, outside of this place, it will happen sooner rather than later?"
Jervis pulls away his hand. "Indeed it is. I do hope you carefully consider your decision."
"I will... I have a question."
"Go on."
"What did you do to Harriet for trying to beat me up?"
"She was involved with an...accident involving a battle with herself. By the time tea was finished, I decided she had endured enough broken bones by her own hand and ordered her to stop. She hasn't spoken an ill word of you since."
Jervis picks up Chances book from her lap and examines the cover. "It would do you best to become more familiar with Carrol."
He walks over to the bookcase and returns the book before picking up another. He walks over to the security guard watching over the room. Chance watches in curiousity as Jervis discretely slips a card behind the guards ear. He then tells the guard something before handing him the book and allowing the guard to escort him out of the room. A few minutes later the guard returns and walks over to Chance, no longer holding the book. Chance raises an eyebrow at the guard.
"What now?"
"Its time for you to go back to your room."
Chance rolls her eyes before standing and following the guard out of the room. Once back in her cell, Chance sees the book laying on her bed.
Alices adventures in Wonderland.
...
"Thompson, therapy time. You know the drill."
Chance rolls her eyes and walks over to the wall beside her bed. She puts her hands flat against it as she hears the door to her cell being opened. She lets them go thru the usual procedures before they roughly strap her into a strait jacket. One guard pulls her out of the cell while the other guard follows closely behind. As they exit her cell, Chance hears the oh so familiar voice of the man in the cell next to hers.
"I am not unbroken, and I am not in. What am I?"
Chance looks back to catch a glimpse of Nigmas smug expression. She smirks. "Breakout. Is it me, or are these riddles getting easier every day?"
Nigmas face drops before smiling sinisterly. "I'll be sure to properly challenge your mind from now on."
Chance gulps.
Note to self: Learn when to shut up.
Chance looks ahead as the guards drag her past the various cells. When they come to a stop at the elevator, Chance looks over at Cranes cell to her left. He looks up from his book and locks eyes with Chance.
"Michelle."
"Dr Crane."
"How are you feeling?"
"Good. You?"
"I can't complain." The elevator opens. "We will talk later."
"Yes sir."
...
"So, how was your night Michelle?"
"Miserable."
Dr Carver raises an eyebrow at Chance. "Why is that?"
Chance shifts in her seat as best as she can due to the constricting strait jacket. "Hatter managed to get a chip on a guard yesterday, and I can't help but find that discomforting."
"Nonsense. All the guards were acounted for last night. I'm sure someone would've noticed..."
Chance interupts. "Yes. That person was me. I still don't understand these annoying rec room rules..."
"Mr Tetch was transfered to level three."
"Are you going to tell me something new, or just be useless?"
"Level three patients share free time with others they may not...agree with. Its to teach everyone to act more socially appropriate."
Chance raises an eyebrow. "So you put me in a room with the guy who wants to do horrible things to my mind and body, and think its a good idea? Next you'll be giving Edward a labtop and alone time."
Carver's smile doesn't falter. "It was Dr Arkham's idea."
Chance smiles sarcastically. "Oh yes, because hes full of great ideas."
"We're off subject. Tomorrow you'll be sharing your free time with Mr Nigma. That was his idea. He requested it and had a stable arguement, so tomorrow when you are escorted from your cell, he will be as well."
"Since when do you take advice from patients? Isn't that...oh I don't know...illegal or something?"
"Mr Nigma has shown himself to be a rather possitive influence in your behavior and treatment."
Chance sighs in defeat. "Okay. Fine. I'll see him tomorrow then."
...
"Well, Mr Mathews, we would like to thank you for your generous contrabution in the pursuit of science."
Mathews shifts as best as he can, strapped to a medical table in the basement of Arkham Asylum. He nervously purses his lips as he watches Crane standing over him while Chance gets supplies ready.
"Whatever man, as long as I don't have to rot in this hell hole. Can't do myself cuz...ya know religion and stuff."
Crane nods in understanding, the grin of excitement never leaving his face. "I understand your dilema and I am grateful that you didn't decide to waste this on...messier inmates."
Chance pushes a metal tray over and stands beside Crane. "We're good to go."
"Excellent. Chance, hand me the..."
Mathews interupts. "Wait!"
Crane looks back at the man strapped to the table. "What is it?"
Mathews gulps. "Ma...maybe I...should...think this over some more..."
Crane shakes his head with an expression of indifference. "You don't understand. The moment you came to me, pleading for a cowards way out, you became mine. I'm sorry Mr Mathews, but your life is no longer in your hands." Mathews pales. He struggles to find his words but is frozen with fear. Crane continues. "Now, I believe your file stated that you have an extreme phobia of snakes. Chance?"
Chance smiles and brings the tray beside the table. On it is several filled syringes and a box covered with a white cloth. She pulls off the cloth to reveal a small tank filled with snakes. Mathews begins to tremble and Chance hands Crane one of the syringes. While he examines the syringe, Chance gently cleans off a spot on Mathews arm with an alchol pad. She steps away and Crane positions the syringe over Mathews arm.
"You should be grateful. Heart attacks are one of the more peaceful ways to go."
Mathews perks up. "Really?"
Crane chuckles. "Heavens no. The period between the attack and death is far greater than other means of demise." Crane injects Mathews as he watches his face drop in horror.
...
"Up Thompson!"
Chance sighs and stands up from where she was sitting on her bed. She goes over to the wall with her hands on the wall and waits patiently. The guards waste no time in putting her in a strait jacket. As they lead her out of her cell, Chance hears three guards opening the cell beside her.
"Nigma, you know the drill."
Chance reaches the rec room a few minutes before Nigma. She sits on the couch and waits patiently for him to arrive. Once he is led into the room, the guards roughly remove Nigmas strait jacket. The guards slam the door closed and wait outside, none wanting to stick around and keep watch. Nigma sits down beside Chance on the couch.
"Good morning Michelle."
"Morning Edward. I'd say its good to see you, but I don't feel like lying."
"Am I the worst company? Or are you merely annoyed at our forced situation?"
Chance glares at Nigma. "You have no idea what kind of hell I had to pay, just to earn Dr Crane's trust back."
"If you had chosen me, you wouldn't have had to suffer by the one you love."
"I know. But I still love Dr Crane."
Nigma sighs. "I suspected as much. I have chosen to move on from the incident, as it appears you have."
"Okay...so what do you want to talk about?"
Nigma pauses upon noticing another girl has seemingly appeared on the couch beside Chance. He raises an eyebrow. Upon noticing this, Chance follows his gaze and looks behind her at the mysterious girl.
Chance notes the girls out of place clothing and speaks up. "Who are you?"
The girl smiles. "Elena. And you're Michelle. Man, we really do look alike."
Nigma nods thoughtfully. "Minor facial differences."
Chance looks at the girl in curiosity. "So who the heck are you and why do you look like me?"
Elena shrugs. "When I found out about you, I just had to meet you face to face. I have so many questions...can we talk alone?"
Nigma pushes himself from the couch and walks across the room to the chess board. Chance turns to Elena. "So what do you want to know?"
Elena turns to fully face Chance. "What's it like working for Crane?"
"Great. We get along, he cured me. I was pathetic before I met him. Now I have purpose. I have given him everything."
"Everything?"
Chance nods with a serious expression. "My life is his, as is everything it entails."
Elena frowns. "Well that's...depressing."
Elena stands from her seat. "I'm gonna go, so good luck with Arkham and Crane. It was nice meeting you."
Elena vanishes in thin air, leaving Chance questioning her sanity.
...
A/N: I'm back! Also, in case you're wondering, Chance is from my fear trilogy.
Next time...life after Kate...
